City of 13 million people shuts down due to air pollution

Pakistan's second-most populous city, with more than 13 million people, has closed schools, public parks, shopping malls and offices after the air quality index (AQI) this week spiked above 400, according to IQAir.

Lahore city in Pakistan is covered in smoke. Photo: Reuters

Authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province have imposed an “environmental and health emergency” in three cities, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Lahore, until the situation improves, Minister Mohsin Naqvi said this week. The three cities have a combined population of more than 15 million.

A statement from Mr Naqvi’s office said a new order would restrict people’s movement to and from these areas by public and private transport. Mr Naqvi’s administration has also restricted gatherings of more than four people in one place.

The spike in pollution levels in Pakistan comes after neighbouring India saw smog blanket its capital New Delhi last week, as cooler temperatures trapped dust and smoke from construction, traffic emissions and stubble burning in the air.

India's Supreme Court this week ordered state governments around New Delhi to stop farmers from burning crops, and banned the use of firecrackers nationwide ahead of the Diwali festival this weekend.

Other major Indian cities, including Kolkata and Mumbai, were also ranked among the world's 20 most polluted cities by IQAir this week, with pollution levels ranging between “hazardous” and “unhealthy”.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, home to more than 10 million people, also made IQAir's list of most polluted cities, with an AQI of 222 on November 10, considered “very unhealthy.”

These readings far exceed World Health Organization limits and show growing concerns for South Asian countries as they undergo rapid industrialization and population explosion that are driving up pollution levels.

According to a 2021 study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), bad air can reduce the life expectancy of Delhi residents by up to nine years.

Hoang Nam (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thanh-pho-13-trieu-dan-dong-cua-vi-o-nhiem-khong-khi-post271971.html